CAPE TOWN: South Africa's Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has said he wouldn't obey a police summons linked to an investigation into whether he used the state revenue service to spy on other politicians in the ruling African National Congress. In a statement, Gordhan confirmed that the Hawks had asked him to present himself at their Pretoria offices to provide a "warning statement", a step that usually followed by filing of criminal charges.
Gordhan said he was being investigated for allegedly breaking anti-spying laws by setting up an unauthorised unit at the South African Revenue Service, or SARS, and facilitating a generous early-retirement package for the unit's leader. He said, "I am advised that I am under no legal obligation to present myself to the Hawks as directed in their letter. I have decided not to do so." He cited one of the reasons for ignoring the summons, was a letter sent to his attorney by the head of the Hawks, in May, which said he was "not a suspect in the Hawks' investigation". The treasury even released the full summons, including the cellphone number of the head investigator, along with the detailed response from Gordhan's attorneys.
The reveal is the latest of a list of setbacks in the month-long conflict between President Jacob Zuma and the finance ministry, over the economic policy and the broader direction of the ANC. The police summons for the finance minister came days after the ANC's executive committee cleared Zuma of personal responsibility for the party's poor performance in the August municipal elections.
Prince Mashele, senior research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation at the University of Pretoria said "the president is trying to test the water" by intensifying the investigation into Gordhan, which has already sent the rand tumbling. He added that a similar market reaction and public outcry could still save Gordhan's job. "If the markets don't respond in a way that scares Jacob Zuma, Pravin Gordhan will be charged."
Meanwhile, the president issued a statement saying he was not involved in the probe. He said he has "full confidence" in Gordhan. A statement issued by Zuma's office said, "The Presidency has noted the concerns expressed by individuals and organisations in society about the reported investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation involving Gordhan as well as other former South African Revenue Services officials."
It added, "President Jacob Zuma wishes to express his full support and confidence in the Minister of Finance and emphasises the fact that the Minister has not been found guilty of any wrong doing. The Presidency wishes to also emphasise that President Zuma does not have powers to stop any investigations into any individuals. Our constitutional democracy, the strength of our state institutions and the effectiveness of our courts in upholding and protecting rights in our guarantee of justice and fairness."
